ETIOPATHOGENESIS OF NON-ALCOHOLIC STEATOHEPATITIS (NASH) THROUGH AYURVEDIC PRINCIPLES OF KAPHAVRITA PITTA AND MEDOVAHA SROTODUSHTI

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an inflammatory liver condition linked to impaired fat metabolism that lacks a direct equivalent in classical Ayurvedic texts. This study explores its pathophysiology by correlating modern hepatology with Ayurvedic concepts of Yakrit (liver) as the moolasthana of Raktavaha Srotas. The Nidana (etiology) is identified as Santarpanajanya, driven by Abhishyandi diets and sedentary lifestyles (Avyayama) that vitiate Kapha and Meda. The Samprapti (pathogenesis) reveals a transition where excessive Kapha envelopes the liver, resulting in a Kaphavrita Pitta state. This dampens the Ranjaka Pitta and Dhatvagni, leading to the accumulation of Ama (metabolic toxins) within hepatocytes. This analytical review provides a theoretical framework for managing NASH by restoring Agni and clearing Srotorodha through Apatharpana and Lekhana therapies.